The rise of antisemitism across Europe poses a serious threat not only to Jewish communities but also to the democratic fabric of societies, which depend on transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression. In response, UNESCO has launched the second phase of its “Addressing Antisemitism through Education in Europe” programme in 2025, supported by 1 million euros from the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. The initiative aims to combat hate speech and antisemitism by promoting safe and inclusive school environments through education.
Many educators are committed to tackling prejudice but often lack the confidence, training, and classroom tools necessary to address antisemitism effectively. This programme seeks to fill that gap by strengthening teacher training, reviewing textbooks and curricula, and embedding responses to antisemitism within long-term national education strategies. Teachers, as front-line defenders against prejudice, are provided with the resources and guidance needed to navigate these sensitive topics.
In September 2025, the first conference of the programme’s second phase was held at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. Policymakers, educators, and civil society representatives from Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia convened to develop draft national action plans. The conference highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, enabling countries to learn from each other’s experiences and approaches in tackling antisemitism.
The programme aligns with the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, emphasizing education as a key tool for prevention. By offering technical support, evidence-based research, and seed funding for pilot initiatives, UNESCO and the OSCE/ODIHR are helping countries translate commitment into practical implementation, fostering safer learning spaces and promoting awareness to counter antisemitism across Europe.
Related Posts
